Week 6 - Evernote

Hi Everyone,

Last week we were introduced to a new digital tool called Evernote.  I heard of Evernote a few years ago through the App Store because it was recommended for a productivity tool.  However, I didn't give it a try then so this was my first time.  Evernote is used to store documents, record audio, and capture pictures.  It helps with organization and can save time sourcing and finding articles.  The attribute that I like about Evernote is how it saves and synchronizes your digital life across all devices.  It makes it easy and convenient.

The main purpose when Evernote first came out was for note taking. After exploring Evernote, I disliked the setup of the notes and the notebook.  I found it difficult to create and put the notes into the correct folders.  This may be caused by being unfamilar with it and it consumed valuable time.  I just don't see a purpose for taking notes in this application when I can use Microsoft Word that is used by every organization in the world.

A benefit of Evernote is being shown through our assignment with partners.  It allows us to share information with each other and see what each other has done for research.  By creating a folder entitled "Digital Communication", I can save all of my research related to the topic in the folder.  It ensures that we don't overlap with our reserach and saves us from being counter productive.  Evernote is a great tool for students because of the web-clipping tool that saves articles in the application.  It is similar to bookmarking like we have talked about in previous weeks.  I think Evernote is useful for our colaborative assignment but I don't see the use for it outside of school... Maybe someone can prove me wrong.

As for where Evernote fits into my PLE, I would place it in either Organizing or Creating.  I'm leaning towards organizing because I like it more for organizing articles/sources than for creating notes.  Realistically, I only see myself using this tool for our assignment so it won't be in my PLE for long.

My Feedly this week had an interesting article that involved Washington Capitals' Alexander Ovechkin.  Remember how Ovechkin was lobbying to be picked last so he could win the car in the NHL All-Star Draft? Well it turns out that the car actually wasn't for him and it was pretty inspiring to see what his intent actually was.  He auctioned off a car that had the proceeds benefit the American Special Hockey Association.  It all started with his bond with 10-year-old Ann Schaab.  It's always nice to see professional athletes giving back.  For the whole story: Ovechkin Donates Car to Charity.

Hope you enjoyed my thoughts this week and enjoy the rest of reading week!

Mark